The first day of the 2016 BVI Asian Trade Mission was a definite success.
During the first day of the historic trade mission, Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE Smith led the delegation in a number of meetings and special events with both private sector and government officials.
Meetings began with discussions between the BVI Delegation and executives of Top Search International Holdings, a multi-disciplinary financial services group with expertise in insurance, asset management and banking. The group discussed developments in the global financial services industry, as well as developments within the BVI financial services industry.
The delegation also met with Executives of the Bank of Asia BVI Limited where they received an update on the bank's progress and met with Chief Executive of the Hong Kong and SAR Government, Honourable Chun-Ying Leung.
Chief Executive Leung acknowledged the important relationship between BVI and Hong Kong and Premier Smith reciprocated his message and expounded on the fruitful long term relationship between the two countries, particularly in financial services. The pair provided updates on development in their respective financial services industries and exchanged views and updates on other sectors including banking, tourism, education, transportation and sports. Both leaders agreed to continue dialogue and exchanges in areas of mutual interest.
The delegation also paid a courtesy call to the British Consulate General - Andrew Heyn, OBE. The newly appointed Consulate General also reiterated his office’s support for BVI House Asia.
As part of the day’s activities, Premier Smith hosted a luncheon with a diversified and influential group of approximately 14 financial services practitioners and business women in Hong Kong. The guests represented sectors in banking, asset management, securities, energy, real estate and commercial property development, and manufacturing.
During the luncheon, members of the delegation reinforced the BVI's strong partnership with Hong Kong and China and also explained the BVI’s advantages and successes. He also provided a briefing on developments in the BVI financial services arena such a beneficial ownership, the launch of the BVI arbitration centre and global regulation.
Speaking on the achievements of the day Premier Smith said, "The first day on the ground in Hong Kong was extremely productive. I took several opportunities to reinforce one of our key messages that BVI is the region's international business partner. It was encouraging to have been received with enthusiasm from both public sector officials and government practitioners.”
The Honourable Premier added, “This signals that BVI remains very welcomed in Hong Kong and China and this can only bode well for a continued fruitful relationship."
The day ended with the BVI Cocktail Reception hosted by BVI House Asia at the Sky Lobby on the 46th floor of the Central Plaza.
The event attracted over 100 guests and started off with Consulate Heyn, OBE giving a few brief remarks followed by Premier Smith who spoke on the importance of the partnership between the BVI and Hong Kong and provided further details on the trade mission.
One highlight of the event was when BVI House Asia presented one delegate with a grand prize of a 5 day sailing trip in the BVI compliments of BVI Tourist Board and The Moorings.
For regular updates on the BVI’s Asian Trade Mission, visit the Government’s website at bvi.gov.vg or follow on Facebook, YouTube or Twitter: @BVIGovernment. The public can also visit the BVI Finance website at bvifinance.vg, or follow @BVIFinance on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.